Special Report: Snap Funding Crisis

Millions brace for empty cards as Congress stalls.

Snap Funding Crisis: Will November SNAP Benefits Arrive?

Millions of Americans face a “Snap Funding Crisis” as a federal budget stalemate threatens to halt food assistance in November. Ten key states – California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, Alabama, Colorado, and Maine – are scrambling to verify if November 2025 SNAP benefits (food stamps) will be paid on time. Below we examine each state’s normal issuance schedule, any announced delays or warnings for November, the EBT payment systems they rely on, and the projected risk level of disruption (Low/Medium/High). We also include quotes from state agencies, the USDA, food banks, and grocers who are bracing for the fallout. A directory of emergency aid in 20 high-need metro areas is provided at the end to help families access food if benefits lapse.

Stalemate Leaves SNAP in Limbo Nationwide

A federal government shutdown that began October 1, 2025 has put the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on hold for the first time in the program’s 60-year history . The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified states that if the shutdown did not end by Oct. 27, “SNAP benefits would be halted on Nov. 1” . With Congress deadlocked over a new budget – in part due to disputes over health care tax credits – the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service instructed all states to suspend November 2025 SNAP issuances starting November 1 until funding is restored . Roughly 42 million Americans rely on SNAP each month , including millions of children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Even as lawmakers feud over blame – USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins (a Trump appointee) accused Senate Democrats of causing “the Democrat shutdown”, while Democrats note USDA has contingency funds they aren’t using – families are left in uncertainty. The SNAP price tag for November is about $8 billion nationally (Texas alone accounts for $614 million) . USDA says roughly $6 billion in contingency funds exist but claims it “cannot legally tap” them since no FY2026 appropriation is in place . A coalition of 25 states and D.C. has sued the USDA, arguing those reserves must be used to pay November benefits . “For the first time since 1964, SNAP payments have been halted because the Trump Administration has decided to use food assistance as a political bargaining chip,” Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said in joining the lawsuit .

What does this mean for November? In short, if the shutdown continues into the new month, no new SNAP benefits will load onto EBT cards. Any unused October benefits will remain spendable on existing Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards , but November deposits are frozen. Each state administers SNAP on its own schedule, so the timing and communication vary. Below we verify the status in ten major states that account for a large share of SNAP participants. All ten have either announced delays or issued warnings that November benefits will not be available without federal funding. Food retailers, food banks and community pantries are bracing for a surge in need as early as the first week of November . “Canceled [USDA] orders and the loss of funds have strained the system… now two million Pennsylvanians will turn to food banks – they simply cannot fill the gap,” warns Julie Bancroft, CEO of Feeding Pennsylvania .

Table: November 2025 SNAP Issuance Outlook in 10 Key States (schedule and status as of Oct. 29, 2025)

State

Normal Issuance (Nov)

EBT Processor

Nov 2025 Status

Disruption Risk

California

1st–10th each month (by case #)

FIS (Fidelity)

Paused – No Nov benefits loaded Nov 1 onward ; state providing food bank aid

High

Texas

1st–15th (legacy cases); 16th–28th (newer cases, by EDG #)

FIS

Paused – State confirms no Nov issuance until federal funding resumes

High

Florida

1st–28th (staggered by case #)

FIS

Paused – DCF warns ~3M Floridians will miss Nov benefits if shutdown continues

High

New York

1st–9th (by case #)

Conduent

Paused – State to delay Nov SNAP if shutdown persists ; NY joined multistate lawsuit vs USDA

High

Pennsylvania

3rd–14th (by case #)

Conduent

Paused – DHS alerted public of Nov pause ; PA suing USDA to use contingency funds

High

Illinois

1st–20th (by case ID)

FIS

Paused – IL DHS says 1.9M residents lose benefits Nov. 1 without fed funding

High

Georgia

5th–23rd (staggered by case #)

Conduent

Paused – GA DHS notified 1.6M recipients of Nov benefit “pause” starting Nov. 1

High

Alabama

4th–23rd (by last two digits of case #)

Conduent

Paused – DHR confirms no new benefits from Nov. 1; 750k residents affected

High

Colorado

1st–10th (staggered)

FIS

Paused – ~$120M in Nov SNAP on hold; state unable to issue until feds fund it

High

Maine

10th–14th (staggered)

Conduent

Paused – ~170k Mainers see Nov benefits on hold ; state warns of “disruption of this scale” to pantries

High (mid-month cycle but likely delayed)

Key: FIS = Fidelity Information Services; Conduent = Conduent State & Local Services (major EBT contractors)

Each of these states has publicly outlined the impact. All ten normally would distribute SNAP in early or mid-November, but none can do so without federal funds. Many states have communicated that existing balances on EBT cards remain usable (the EBT transaction networks are still operational), but no new allotments can be added . Several governors and attorneys general are pursuing legal or legislative remedies to avert a hunger crisis. Below are state-by-state details:

California (CalFresh) –

Status: Paused

Monthly schedule: CalFresh benefits are issued from the 1st to the 10th of each month in California, staggered by the last digit of the household’s case number . For example, a case ending in 5 would normally receive benefits on the 5th of the month. California uses Fidelity Information Services (FIS) as its EBT processor , and the state’s EBT card is the “Golden State Advantage” card.

November update: California officials have announced that November CalFresh benefits will be delayed due to the federal shutdown . “Because the federal government failed to pass a budget… CalFresh benefits will not be reloaded on Nov. 1,” said San Diego County Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer . Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed the National Guard and directed funding to food banks to help families in the interim . CalFresh recipients are being advised to continue using any remaining balance from October and to watch for updates on the state’s BenefitsCal portal . Counties have opened hotlines – for example, San Diego’s customer service center opened special hours on Nov. 1 – to assist clients with information . Risk level: High. Without federal funds, no new benefits can be issued; even if Congress resolves the budget impasse in early November, officials say it will take days to restart payments , meaning delays are likely. California is exploring state-level aid: “The State of California [is] working together to support families through this crisis,” Lawson-Remer said, urging anyone in need to call 2-1-1 for local food resources . Major food banks like the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and Feeding San Diego are gearing up to serve more clients using state emergency grants.

Texas –

Status: Paused

Monthly schedule: Texas normally staggers SNAP (Lone Star Card) issuance from the 1st to the 15th of each month for longtime recipients (based on the last digit of the Eligibility Determination Group number), and between the 16th and 28th for those who enrolled after mid-2020 . This two-cycle system means some Texans would have seen November benefits as early as Nov. 1, while others expect them later in the month. Texas’s EBT system is run by FIS as well .

November update: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has bluntly notified clients that “November SNAP benefits will not be issued at this time” due to the federal shutdown . More than 3.5 million Texans (including 1.7 million children) rely on SNAP each month , so the halt is a massive shock. It will stop over $600 million in monthly food assistance in Texas alone . “Federal food assistance payments… will come to a halt on Saturday,” reported the Texas Tribune, noting this is the first such interruption in program history . Texas state leaders say they cannot cover the gap: “States cannot cover the cost of benefits and be reimbursed,” the USDA confirmed, so even if Texas wanted to pay benefits upfront, it legally cannot do so . Risk level: High. Without a federal fix, no Texas SNAP disbursements will occur in November. Food banks like the Houston Food Bank and North Texas Food Bank (Dallas) warn of “immediate strain” as families turn to pantries . The Houston Chronicle highlighted that over 350,000 Houston-area families will be without aid, and small grocers in rural counties with high SNAP usage will also “feel it instantly” . Texas lawmakers are watching a proposal by U.S. Senator Josh Hawley to fund SNAP separately, but as of Oct. 28 no vote had been scheduled .

Florida –

Status: Paused

Monthly schedule: Florida issues SNAP (EBT ACCESS card) benefits across the 1st to 28th of each month, one of the longest staggered schedules in the country . Distribution is based on digits of the case number, meaning some Floridians normally get funds on the 1st, others as late as the 28th. Florida also uses FIS as its EBT vendor . Nearly 3 million Floridians depend on SNAP, the fourth-highest state total in the U.S. .

November update: The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has posted prominent warnings that if the shutdown continues, November SNAP benefits will not be issued until federal funding is restored . Floridians who have been approved for November received eligibility notices but will “not receive any benefits deposited to [their] EBT card during this time,” DCF’s notice explains . This could leave 2.94 million people without their food assistance by mid-month . Risk level: High. Florida officials say October benefits went out normally, but November is on hold indefinitely. “Nearly 3 million Floridians… won’t be available in November due to the shutdown,” the Florida Phoenix reported, quoting the DCF alert . The USDA has refused to tap a $6 billion emergency fund to cover November, saying it needs about $9 billion for the month . Advocates in Florida are sharply critical: “SNAP is meant to fight hunger, not test work ethics… benefits that are a couple days delayed are better than none,” said Sharon Parrott of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, urging USDA to find a way to pay families rather than “threaten millions…with hunger” . Florida has one of the nation’s largest senior populations on SNAP, as well as many low-income working families, so local charities and food banks (like Feeding South Florida) are preparing for a wave of need. South Florida community leaders also note the impact on retailers: “It affects the bottom line of thousands of small businesses where SNAP participants shop,” said one policy analyst, warning of ripple effects if $300+ million in Florida SNAP doesn’t get spent in November .

New York –

Status: Paused

Monthly schedule: New York issues SNAP benefits over the 1st to 9th of each month (varies by case number) . New York’s EBT contractor is Conduent , and recipients in NYC and statewide use the Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC) for SNAP and other benefits. New York has roughly 2.8–2.9 million SNAP recipients (August 2025 data), making it one of the top three states in SNAP enrollment .

November update: The New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has been updating a public FAQ page about the shutdown’s impact on SNAP . As of Oct. 23, OTDA warned that if the federal shutdown continues into November, “benefits for SNAP could be delayed” and that the state does not know when November benefits will be issued . In short, no November allotments can be paid until USDA releases funds, and once the shutdown ends it will still “take a few days to issue November benefits” . New York is part of the multistate lawsuit suing the USDA to use contingency money to cover November benefits . Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James joined 25 other states in arguing the suspension is unlawful given available funds . Risk level: High. Absent a federal fix, New York’s SNAP will be delayed statewide – affecting large urban areas like NYC (where over 1.5 million receive SNAP) as well as rural upstate counties where food insecurity is high. New York officials have told SNAP households to prepare: check any remaining balance on their EBT card, locate emergency food pantries (via resources like the Food Bank For NYC or Food Pantries Map), and keep an eye on texts or online notices for when benefits will resume . The state is not sending physical letters about the delay to avoid confusion . In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams’ administration is coordinating with the Food Bank For New York City and City Harvest to expand pantry hours should the “SNAP gap” extend into late November.

Pennsylvania –

Status: Paused (Legal action pending)

Monthly schedule: Pennsylvania SNAP benefits are issued from the 3rd to the 14th of each month, staggered by case number . Pennsylvania’s EBT card (the ACCESS card) is managed by Conduent . The state has just over 2 million SNAP recipients (about 1 in 6 residents) .

November update: Pennsylvania was among the first states to publicly alert its citizens that November SNAP would not be funded without Congressional action. On Oct. 20, the PA Department of Human Services (DHS) announced a pause in benefits due to lack of federal funds . Governor Josh Shapiro has since taken legal action, joining a 25-state lawsuit demanding USDA use contingency funds to pay November benefits . “SNAP payments have been halted… because the Trump Administration has decided to use critical food assistance as a political bargaining chip. That is unacceptable,” Gov. Shapiro said in a statement . Pennsylvania officials point out that the USDA’s own shutdown plan acknowledged $6 billion in multi-year funds that could keep SNAP running, but on Oct. 27 USDA “formally suspended November benefits” and said it wouldn’t follow that plan . Risk level: High. No November benefits have been issued in PA, and nearly $366 million that would normally go to PA families this month is on hold . The Pennsylvania SNAP suspension will hit hard in cities like Philadelphia (where ~472,000 people receive SNAP) and Pittsburgh, as well as rural communities. Food banks are sounding alarms: “Food banks are scrambling… two million Pennsylvanians will turn to food banks for support – they simply cannot fill the gap,” said Julie Bancroft of Feeding Pennsylvania . Beyond humanitarian concerns, state officials note a major economic impact if SNAP dollars vanish: over 10,600 retailers in PA accept SNAP, and each $1 of SNAP spending generates $1.54 in local economic activity . Those dollars disappearing will hurt grocers, farmers, and supply chains. Pennsylvania’s legislature and Gov. Shapiro have approved $50 million in state emergency food assistance to bolster food pantries, but this is a fraction of the federal aid gap.

Illinois –

Status: Paused

Monthly schedule: Illinois distributes SNAP (Illinois Link Card) benefits across the 1st to 20th of each month . (Illinois had previously issued from 1st–10th, but that schedule expanded to reduce system load.) The EBT contractor is FIS . Illinois has 1.9 million SNAP participants, roughly 15% of the state’s population .

November update: The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) confirmed that if the shutdown continued, “SNAP customers will not have access to any new food benefits starting November 1, 2025” . In an Oct. 16 press release titled “Trump’s Administration: SNAP Benefits Slated to be Cut Off on Nov 1”, Illinois officials squarely blamed the federal impasse for the coming cutoff . IDHS Secretary Dulce Quintero emphasized the stakes: “SNAP is a proven, time-tested program… The federal government needs to ensure families receive their benefits on November 1, so their livelihoods are not disrupted.” Illinois disburses more than $350 million in SNAP benefits each month , and state leaders made clear they cannot backfill that funding if federal dollars don’t arrive . Risk level: High. All November SNAP is frozen in Illinois until DC resolves the budget. “If SNAP funds are not delivered by the federal government, the State of Illinois does not have the budgetary ability to backfill these critical resources,” IDHS warned . Retail and grocery associations in Illinois are deeply concerned as well. “With grocers in many communities already struggling to keep their doors open, the elimination of this vital support puts entire communities at risk of losing access to fresh and healthy food,” said Rob Karr, CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association . He urged federal leaders to collaborate to ensure the assistance doesn’t lapse . Illinois has joined the multi-state lawsuit against USDA alongside Pennsylvania, New York, and others . In Chicago and across Illinois, large food depositories (like the Greater Chicago Food Depository) are preparing for an uptick in demand if November benefits remain frozen.

Georgia –

Status: Paused

Monthly schedule: Georgia issues SNAP benefits between the 5th and 23rd of each month, staggered by client ID (case) number . The EBT card is handled by Conduent . Georgia’s SNAP caseload is about 1.6 million people (one in seven Georgians) .

November update: The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that no November SNAP disbursements will occur starting Nov. 1 due to lack of federal funds . On Oct. 28, Georgia officials alerted all recipients of the “pause” and explained that existing EBT balances remain available but new allotments are frozen . “USDA has told states that without new federal funding… it cannot issue November SNAP benefits,” FOX 5 Atlanta reported, noting this warning covers roughly 42 million Americans nationwide . In Georgia, that’s about 800,000 households who won’t get their November reload as scheduled. Risk level: High. Georgia cannot issue any SNAP funds until Congress or USDA restores funding . The state also cannot substitute state funds for federal benefits – “Even if lawmakers wanted to, they legally do not control the pipeline. Only Congress and USDA can restore payments,” Georgia DHS officials noted . Georgia’s food security network is under strain: Atlanta’s major charities like Atlanta Community Food Bank and Hosea Helps warn they “cannot handle a statewide surge” in hunger if SNAP is halted . Many small-town grocers and rural markets in Georgia rely on SNAP spending; they are bracing for “significant drop in sales” and possible economic ripple effects . Almost half of Georgia’s SNAP recipients are children, and another large segment are seniors or disabled adults – groups who “cannot simply pick up extra hours or wait a week,” as one Georgia report noted . State officials urge families to continue submitting applications and renewals (the programs are still accepting paperwork even if payments are delayed) so that benefits can be released immediately once federal funds return .

Alabama –

Status: Paused

Monthly schedule: Alabama distributes SNAP between the 4th and 23rd of each month, determined by the last two digits of the family’s case number . For example, case numbers ending 00–04 get benefits on the 4th, 95–99 on the 23rd. Alabama’s EBT system is run by Conduent . About 750,000 Alabama residents receive SNAP, in a state of 5 million people .

November update: The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) issued a press release on Oct. 27 confirming that November SNAP benefits are suspended statewide due to the federal shutdown . Alabama received official USDA guidance on Oct. 24 directing all states to halt November allotments until funding resumes . “This means no new SNAP benefits will be issued beginning November 1, 2025,” DHR clarified, though any benefits loaded before Nov. 1 remain available on EBT cards . Alabama’s leaders underscored that SNAP is 100% federally funded and USDA controls issuance, so the state cannot do anything to override the pause . “We know SNAP benefits are vitally important to the more than 750,000 Alabamians who depend on the more than $140 million in support each month,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner, “Alabama DHR… hopes Congress will come to a quick resolution on the shutdown.” . Risk level: High. All November benefits are on hold; roughly $140 million in monthly grocery money is missing from Alabama’s economy . The state continues to process new SNAP applications and renewals (people must still recertify and report changes even during the funding lapse) so that it can “release November benefits immediately once the suspension is lifted.” Meanwhile, food banks across Alabama (coordinated by Feeding Alabama) are being promoted as a stop-gap. Alabama DHR is referring families to community food resources and the statewide 2-1-1 information line for help . With so many families affected, major Alabama grocers like Publix and Walmart (big SNAP retailers) are monitoring if SNAP card usage drops to zero in November – a scenario that would sharply impact their sales in low-income areas.

Colorado –

Status: Paused

Monthly schedule: Colorado SNAP benefits are issued from the 1st to the 10th of the month (staggered, often by last name or case number) . Colorado’s EBT card (Quest Card) is operated by FIS . The state has around 580,000 SNAP recipients on average (about 1 in 10 Coloradans) .

November update: Colorado officials have confirmed that approximately $120 million of November SNAP benefits are on hold due to the federal shutdown . “Because of the federal government shutdown, the USDA has not released the funds… This means Colorado is unable to issue the approximately $120 million of November SNAP benefits to clients until the federal government restores funding,” reads an urgent notice on the Colorado DHS website . The state encouraged people to continue applying and recertifying so their cases will be ready when funds are available . Colorado’s Attorney General Phil Weiser joined 22 other states in a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing the suspension of SNAP is unlawful and that USDA must tap contingency money . Risk level: High. If the shutdown persists, no Colorado SNAP households will get November benefits on time. By November 1, families expecting their monthly allotment will find nothing new on their EBT cards. Colorado is advising those in need to reach out to food banks and community agencies, providing contacts for 2-1-1 Colorado and the Feeding Colorado food bank network . The large metro-area food banks, such as Food Bank of the Rockies (serving Denver), are preparing for significantly increased demand. State and county officials are also concerned about mountain and rural communities entering winter – without SNAP, already-strained local pantries could be overwhelmed. Colorado’s governor has not yet announced any state emergency funding for food aid, but the situation is being closely monitored in the legislature.

Maine –

Status: Paused

Monthly schedule: Maine issues SNAP benefits over a relatively short window, the 10th to 14th of each month . (Maine concentrates issuance toward the middle of the month.) The EBT contractor for Maine is Conduent . Maine’s SNAP population is smaller in number (~170,000 people) but represents about 12.5% of Maine’s population, one of the higher participation rates in the Northeast .

November update: Maine Governor Janet Mills and the Department of Health and Human Services announced that November SNAP benefits will not be issued as scheduled due to the federal impasse . In an Oct. 21 statement, Gov. Mills strongly criticized the situation, saying low-income working families are at risk “because the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress have shut down the government instead of agreeing to extend the health care tax credits… on which so many families depend.” She implored federal leaders to “stop hurting working families and end this needless shutdown.” Maine DHHS Commissioner Sara Gagné-Holmes underscored that “for tens of thousands of Maine people, these benefits mean the ability to put food on the table.” She warned that “a disruption of this scale will also impact Maine’s food pantries… as well as retailers.” Maine has notified its 169,000 SNAP recipients that no November benefits can be paid until the shutdown ends . If the shutdown resolves quickly, Maine’s mid-month issuance cycle might allow a late start without too much delay, but uncertainty is high. Risk level: High. Even though Maine’s normal issuance wouldn’t begin until Nov. 10, officials have to prepare as if those payments may not come at all. Maine is part of the 25-state lawsuit pressing USDA to use backup funds . DHHS is directing Mainers to use resources like 211 Maine and local food banks in the meantime . For example, the Good Shepherd Food Bank (Maine’s largest hunger relief organization) and smaller community pantries are organizing food drives, anticipating many first-time clients if the “Snap Funding Crisis” continues. Maine’s relatively high senior citizen SNAP enrollment means many elderly residents could be at risk of going without food or necessary medicine if forced to choose – a scenario state officials call unconscionable.

With the federal shutdown dragging on, each of these states faces a high-risk scenario where November SNAP benefits are delayed or lost entirely. The consensus among state officials is clear: SNAP will resume immediately when Congress restores funding, but until then, families must rely on whatever savings, food pantries, or community support they can find. “We urge the federal leaders to work collaboratively to ensure this assistance doesn’t lapse,” pleaded Illinois’ SNAP director, reflecting a sentiment echoed nationwide . In the meantime, state agencies continue to process applications and renewals (nobody will be kicked off SNAP solely due to the shutdown; paperwork is still being handled ). Any missed November benefits are expected to be reimbursed retroactively once a funding bill passes – for instance, USDA has indicated it will make November payments later if legally allowed . But that is cold comfort to families with empty refrigerators now.

Below we provide an Aid Access Directory for 20 metropolitan areas likely to experience the greatest need during this SNAP funding crisis. These are cities or regions with high poverty rates or large numbers of SNAP recipients, and they have resources that can help supplement food needs. If you or someone you know is affected by the SNAP outage, consider reaching out to the following food banks, hotlines, or services in your area. Many of these resources offer multilingual support and can connect individuals with emergency food, meals, or other assistance.

Emergency Food Aid Access in 20 High-Need Metro Areas

(Even if SNAP benefits are delayed, you can get help from these community resources. Call 2-1-1 in any state for referrals. Where available, we list major food banks/pantries, government hotlines, and assistance programs by metro area. Many hotlines offer help in multiple languages.)

New York City, NY

• Major Food Bank: Food Bank For New York City – Multiple pantry locations; referral hotline: 212-566-7855. Also City Harvest food distribution programs.

• Government Contacts: NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) Infoline: 718-557-1399. Residents can call 311 (NYC’s assistance line) for SNAP centers and emergency food programs.

• Emergency Assistance: NYC Food Hotline: 866-888-8777 (WhyHunger). 211 New York: Available outside NYC for statewide resources.

• Accessibility: Services available in English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese), Russian, Arabic, Haitian Creole, and more via HRA and 311 interpreters.

Los Angeles (LA County), CA

• Major Food Bank: Los Angeles Regional Food Bank – Main warehouse in South LA, mobile pantries countywide. Phone: 323-234-3030.

• Government Contacts: LA County DPSS Customer Service Center: 866-613-3777 (for CalFresh/SNAP and General Relief). 211 LA: connects to shelter and food programs.

• Emergency Assistance: 211 Los Angeles County (24/7, multilingual) or visit lafoodbank.org for pantry locator. Some city rec centers offer free meal programs.

• Accessibility: Support in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Armenian, Tagalog, Vietnamese and other languages common in LA via DPSS and 211 translation services.

Chicago, IL

• Major Food Bank: Greater Chicago Food Depository – Food locator hotline: 773-247-3663. This food bank supplies hundreds of pantries in Cook County.

• Government Contacts: Illinois DHS/SNAP Hotline: 800-843-6154. In Chicago, call 311 for city services or Catholic Charities at 312-655-7700 for emergency food.

• Emergency Assistance: 211 Illinois (available in many counties; in Chicagoland, 311 may be primary). The GCFD benefits outreach can help with SNAP applications once funding resumes.

• Accessibility: English, Spanish, Polish are supported. Chicago’s 311 and food bank helplines can provide interpreters for other languages (Chinese, Arabic, etc.) upon request.

Houston, TX

• Major Food Bank: Houston Food Bank – Serving Houston and Southeast Texas. Call 832-369-9390 for food pantry referrals. Their “Kids Cafe” and senior box programs are ramping up.

• Government Contacts: Texas SNAP (HHSC) Helpline: 877-541-7905 or 2-1-1 Texas (option 1) for benefit info and nearby help. Local WIC clinics and community centers also have food distributions.

• Emergency Assistance: 211 Texas is the central hotline (assistance in many languages). The Houston Food Bank website offers a searchable map of free groceries and hot meals.

• Accessibility: Services in English and Spanish are standard. Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, Urdu and other language assistance available through partner agencies in Houston’s diverse community.

Philadelphia, PA

• Major Food Bank: Philabundance – Major food bank for Philadelphia and Delaware Valley. Food help line: 215-339-0900. They support a network of pantries and weekly drive-thru distributions.

• Government Contacts: Pennsylvania DHS Helpline: 800-692-7462. Philadelphia residents can call 311 or visit city food sites (some rec centers and libraries host free food days).

• Emergency Assistance: WhyHunger Hotline: 866-348-6479 (nationwide) or 211 SEPA (covers Philly region). Also, the Coalition Against Hunger runs a local SNAP hotline: 215-430-0556 (for when SNAP resumes).

• Accessibility: English and Spanish provided by most agencies; Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian and other language support via PA DHS language line or partner nonprofits in Philly.

Phoenix (Maricopa County), AZ

• Major Food Bank: St. Mary’s Food Bank – One of the nation’s largest, serving Phoenix metro. Main number: 602-242-3663. Distributes emergency food boxes and kids’ meals.

• Government Contacts: Arizona DES Nutrition Assistance Hotline: 855-777-8590. Community Action Program (CAP) offices in Phoenix can also assist with emergency food vouchers.

• Emergency Assistance: 211 Arizona (just dial 2-1-1) for state-wide resources. Many Phoenix-area churches and charities (e.g., Salvation Army Phoenix) host daily meal sites – 211 can direct based on ZIP code.

• Accessibility: English and Spanish widely available. Phoenix agencies also serve Indigenous languages, and some support for Arabic and Somali (given refugee communities) is available through 211 or IRC Phoenix.

Atlanta, GA

• Major Food Bank: Atlanta Community Food Bank – Serves Atlanta and North Georgia. Help directory: 404-892-3333. Operates mobile pantries and benefits outreach.

• Government Contacts: Georgia DFCS Customer Contact Center: 877-423-4746 for SNAP, or apply online (Gateway) for updates once funding returns. United Way 2-1-1 Atlanta for local shelter, food, and bill assistance.

• Emergency Assistance: 211 (Atlanta) – provides referrals to dozens of food pantries, soup kitchens, and the Atlanta Food Bank’s partner sites. Some large church ministries (like Midwest Food Bank–Georgia Division) offer weekly giveaways.

• Accessibility: English and Spanish provided by DFCS and 211. The Atlanta metro also has services in Korean, Vietnamese and other languages via immigrant community centers; 211 can conference in a translation service if needed.

Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), TX

• Major Food Banks: North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) – covering Dallas and eastern DFW (call 214-269-0906). Tarrant Area Food Bank – covering Fort Worth and western counties (call 817-857-7100).

• Government Contacts: Texas SNAP info via 2-1-1 Texas or YourTexasBenefits.com. Dallas County HHS and Tarrant County DHS have emergency assistance programs (rent/utilities) that may free up money for food if SNAP is delayed.

• Emergency Assistance: 211 Texas (statewide). NTFB’s Food Finder tool online lists pantries by zip code. Dallas 311 can provide local shelter meal info. Fort Worth’s Community Action Partners (817-392-5790) also connect residents to pantries.

• Accessibility: English and Spanish predominant. The DFW area also has large Vietnamese and Chinese communities – some partner pantries (like in Arlington and Garland) offer assistance in those languages. Translation services available via 211.

Detroit, MI

• Major Food Bank: Gleaners Community Food Bank (serving Detroit and tri-county area). Food referral line: 866-453-2637. Gleaners runs school food pantries and distribution centers in Detroit.

• Government Contacts: Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) Hotline: 855-275-6424. Local MDHHS offices in Detroit (e.g., the Great Lakes office) can direct to emergency programs.

• Emergency Assistance: 211 Michigan (especially active in Southeast MI) will list soup kitchens like Capuchin Soup Kitchen (provides daily hot meals in Detroit) and other free grocery programs.

• Accessibility: English is primary; Spanish and Arabic assistance is available, reflecting Detroit’s Latino and Arab American populations (Dearborn area). Some agencies also serve Bengali and Bangla for immigrant groups. 211 offers language interpretation upon request.

Miami (South Florida), FL

• Major Food Bank: Feeding South Florida – Covers Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe counties. Phone: 954-518-1818. They have a food pantry locator and home delivery for seniors.

• Government Contacts: Florida DCF Customer Call Center: 850-300-4323 (for SNAP/WIC info). Miami-Dade County Community Action: 786-469-4600 (for emergency assistance programs).

• Emergency Assistance: Miami-Dade 311 or 211 Broward/Palm Beach for regional help. The City of Miami has food distribution events listed via miamigov.com/covid-relief (some ongoing pantry sites remain post-pandemic). Churches in Little Havana and Little Haiti have specific outreach (e.g., Curley’s House in Liberty City).

• Accessibility: Spanish and Haitian Creole are as critical as English in South Florida. All major hotlines (DCF, 211, 311) have options for Spanish; Creole-speaking operators or translators are available for Haitian communities.

Memphis, TN

• Major Food Bank: Mid-South Food Bank – Serving Memphis and surrounding region. Contact: 901-527-0841. They provide food to pantries in Shelby County and run mobile pantries in high-need neighborhoods.

• Government Contacts: Tennessee DHS Family Assistance Service Center: 866-311-4287 (for SNAP, Families First). Memphis residents can also call 211 Mid-South for referrals.

• Emergency Assistance: 211 is operated by United Way of the Mid-South. It can direct to emergency food pantries, such as those at Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) or Neighborhood Christian Centers which often have food programs. The Memphis Union Mission and other shelters offer daily meals (especially for homeless individuals).

• Accessibility: English is primary for most services. Some Spanish assistance is available (Memphis has a growing Hispanic community and Mid-South Food Bank provides materials in Spanish). For other languages, 211 can utilize language line services.

Baltimore, MD

• Major Food Bank: Maryland Food Bank – Central warehouse serving Baltimore City and Maryland. Baltimore residents can call 410-737-8282 to find nearby pantries. Also, Movable Feast (443-973-2500) provides meals to people with medical needs.

• Government Contacts: Maryland Dept. of Human Services Helpline: 800-332-6347 (for SNAP, called Food Supplement Program in MD). Baltimore City DSS has emergency services; residents can dial 311 for city info or 211 Maryland for state-wide social services.

• Emergency Assistance: 211 Maryland connects to meal sites and pantry programs (e.g., the Baltimore Hunger Project for families with children, or daily meals at Our Daily Bread Employment Center). During this crisis, many Baltimore schools may expand free breakfast/lunch availability to all local kids regardless of enrollment.

• Accessibility: English and Spanish provided by MD DHS and many agencies. Baltimore also has a significant Korean and French-speaking African community; 211 and Maryland Food Bank have translation options. Materials for SNAP and WIC are available in multiple languages upon request.

Cleveland, OH

• Major Food Bank: Greater Cleveland Food Bank – Serves Cleveland and six counties. Help Center line: 216-738-2067 for food assistance and SNAP application support. Distributes through pantries and weekly drive-thru events.

• Government Contacts: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services customer line: 866-244-0071. In Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), the Job & Family Services offices can provide emergency assistance (phone: 216-987-7000). United Way 2-1-1 of Greater Cleveland is very active for all social services inquiries.

• Emergency Assistance: 211 Greater Cleveland – 24/7 resource for finding hot meals (e.g., at St. Augustine Hunger Center) and free grocery distributions. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank also runs special programs for seniors (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) and kids (Backpack meals) that may be expanded.

• Accessibility: English and Spanish services are common (Cleveland has a smaller Latino population but resources exist). The food bank and 211 have access to interpreters for languages like Arabic, Swahili, Ukrainian, Nepali, as Cleveland has many refugee communities. Hearing-impaired individuals can reach 211 via Ohio Relay (711).

New Orleans, LA

• Major Food Bank: Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana – Hotline: 504-734-1322. They cover New Orleans and 23 parishes, operating pantries and community kitchens.

• Government Contacts: Louisiana DCFS Customer Service: 888-524-3578 (for SNAP info). Orleans Parish residents can also call 311 or NOLA’s Mayor’s Office of Community Services for local aid.

• Emergency Assistance: 211 Louisiana for state-wide help, or Second Harvest’s online food finder for the nearest free food provider. In New Orleans, organizations like Giving Hope NOLA Pantry and Catholic Charities have food pantries. Some local restaurants and chefs often set up free meal sites during crises as well (New Orleans has strong food-related philanthropy).

• Accessibility: English and some Spanish available; Louisiana DCFS has Creole-speaking staff in some areas. New Orleans also has a notable Vietnamese community – Second Harvest partners with local Vietnamese churches and centers to ensure language support for those families.

Fresno (Central Valley), CA

• Major Food Bank: Central California Food Bank – Serving Fresno, Merced, Kings, Madera, Tulare counties. Phone: 559-237-3663. They have an extensive network of rural distribution sites important for farmworker communities.

• Government Contacts: Fresno County Department of Social Services SNAP Information: 559-600-1377. Many clients use the MyBenefits CalWIN online portal (which will show a delay notice for November during the shutdown).

• Emergency Assistance: 211 Fresno County connects to emergency food programs. During this crisis, the Central CA Food Bank’s Farm to Family program may provide produce giveaways. Local groups like Cambridge Avenue Community Center and various churches host weekly food distributions—211 will have the latest schedule.

• Accessibility: English and Spanish are critical in Fresno (a majority of clients prefer Spanish). The food bank also provides materials in Hmong due to Fresno’s large Hmong refugee population, and in Punjabi for some North Indian communities. Interpreter services for other languages can be arranged via 211 or DSS.

Buffalo (Western New York), NY

• Major Food Bank: FeedMore WNY – Formed by the merger of Food Bank of WNY and Meals on Wheels. Phone: 716-822-2005. They serve Buffalo and Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua counties with pantries and meal delivery.

• Government Contacts: New York OTDA Local Office – Erie County SNAP inquiries: 716-858-7239. Buffalo’s 311 line can direct to city-specific help, or call 211 WNY for regional resources.

• Emergency Assistance: 211 Western New York – available 24/7 for food and shelter referrals. FeedMore WNY runs a Mobile Food Pantry schedule (check feedmorewny.org) that brings groceries to high-need neighborhoods in Buffalo weekly. The Salvation Army of Buffalo (716-883-9800) also offers a daily food pantry and soup kitchen.

• Accessibility: English is predominant. FeedMore WNY and partner pantries have some Spanish support (Buffalo’s West Side has a growing Hispanic community). There is also a significant immigrant/refugee population (including Arabic, Karen/Burmese, Somali speakers) – Jericho Road Community Health Center and others often help translate or refer these families to appropriate pantry services.

McAllen (Rio Grande Valley), TX

• Major Food Bank: Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) – located in Pharr, TX. Phone: 956-682-8101. This food bank serves Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties – some of the poorest areas in the U.S. – with on-site pick-ups and mobile produce trucks.

• Government Contacts: Texas HHSC in the Valley: local office in McAllen (956-412-5568) or call 2-1-1 Texas (option for Spanish available) for SNAP and emergency assistance queries.

• Emergency Assistance: 211 Texas (bilingual). The RGV Food Bank’s website (foodbankrgv.com) lists distributions nearly every day at partner agencies. La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE) and other community groups in the Valley sometimes distribute food aid as well; they can be reached via 211 or their hotlines (LUPE: 956-787-2233).

• Accessibility: Spanish is the primary language for many families in the RGV. The Food Bank RGV and 211 have full Spanish bilingual capacity. Materials and outreach are in Spanish/English. Some organizations also cater to Tejano and Mexican cultural needs, ensuring food boxes contain familiar items. There is generally less need for other languages in this region due to its demographic makeup.

Jackson, MS

• Major Food Bank: Mississippi Food Network – Based in Jackson, serving central Mississippi. Phone: 601-973-7080. They support over 430 pantries and sites; in Jackson, many churches receive MFN supplies.

• Government Contacts: Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Economic Assistance: 601-359-4500. For local help, 211 Mississippi (or 601-360-0450) covers Jackson and statewide referrals.

• Emergency Assistance: 211 Mississippi will have info on soup kitchens like Stewpot Community Services (601-353-2759, offers daily meals in Jackson) and Salvation Army Jackson (601-982-4881, food pantry and shelter meals). Additionally, the City of Jackson often partners with MFN for food distribution events – check local news or city social media for announcements if SNAP outages persist.

• Accessibility: English is primary in Mississippi services. Limited Spanish assistance is available through Catholic Charities or 211 for the small Hispanic population. MDHS can arrange interpreters by request for other languages, but these are less common in the Jackson area.

Charleston, WV

• Major Food Bank: Mountaineer Food Bank – Serves Charleston and much of West Virginia. Contact: 304-364-5518. They run mobile food pantries (schedule on mountaineerfoodbank.org) across the state. In Huntington and some southern counties, Facing Hunger Foodbank (304-523-6029) is another resource.

• Government Contacts: West Virginia DHHR Customer Service: 877-716-1212 (for SNAP and emergency assistance). Local DHHR offices in Kanawha County (Charleston) can provide information on disaster or emergency programs.

• Emergency Assistance: 211 West Virginia or Mountain State 211 – available to connect residents with local feeding programs. In Charleston, Manna Meal (304-345-7121) offers two free meals daily, no questions asked. Union Mission and Salvation Army Charleston also provide food pantry assistance.

• Accessibility: English overwhelmingly. WV has a very small LEP (Limited English Proficiency) population, but 211 or DHHR can arrange language help if needed. Some Spanish resources exist (for migrant or immigrant workers in certain industries) and ASL interpretation is available for deaf/hard-of-hearing through DHHR.

Milwaukee, WI

• Major Food Bank: Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin – Milwaukee branch (Serving Milwaukee and eastern Wisconsin). Phone: 414-931-7400. They supply hundreds of pantries; notable partners in Milwaukee include Hunger Task Force (which also runs a Free & Local food bank, 414-777-0483).

• Government Contacts: Wisconsin DHS Consortium Call Center (Milwaukee Enrollment Services): 888-947-6583 for SNAP (FoodShare) information. IMPACT 2-1-1 is Milwaukee’s main helpline for all social needs and is available 24/7 (just dial 211).

• Emergency Assistance: IMPACT 2-1-1 will provide referrals to meal programs (e.g., St. Ben’s Community Meal serves dinners daily in Milwaukee) and food pantries like those run by Feeding America E.W. and Hunger Task Force. Milwaukee Public Schools also have nutrition programs that might extend help to students’ families if SNAP is delayed.

• Accessibility: English and Spanish are commonly supported. Milwaukee has communities of Hmong and other Southeast Asian groups – Hunger Task Force has some Hmong-speaking staff and provides FoodShare outreach in Hmong. Arabic and Somali interpretation can be arranged through 211 for refugee families. The city also offers materials in Spanish and Hmong for public assistance programs.

---

If this Special Report helped you stay informed, consider becoming a paid subscriber

Your support funds the next investigation and keeps these reports free for everyone who needs them.

---

The phrase “Snap Funding Crisis” refers to this unprecedented freeze of food stamp benefits due to the federal budget impasse. Remember that the core issue is federal funding – states cannot issue SNAP without Congress. All 10 profiled states have high disruption risk, meaning November benefits will not be paid on time (or at all) unless the shutdown ends. In response, dozens of states are suing or lobbying USDA to find a workaround. For those affected, check the Aid Directory above: resources like 2-1-1, major food banks, and community organizations are the first lines of defense against hunger during this crisis. As one Alabama official reminded, SNAP benefits are “100% federally funded” – so while state leaders do what they can (legal action, emergency food aid, public pressure), the solution ultimately lies in Washington’s hands. Until then, millions of Americans are left anxiously waiting for this Snap Funding Crisis to resolve so they can put food on the table in November.

Sources: State press releases and news reports have been used to verify SNAP issuance plans and quotes, including FOX 5 Atlanta , ABC 33/40 News (Alabama) , Florida Phoenix , San Diego County News Center , Texas Tribune/KWTX , Pennsylvania Governor’s Office , Illinois DHS , and official DHS/DHHS updates from Maine, Colorado, and others . These confirm that no state is immune – all are awaiting congressional action to resume SNAP. In the meantime, local agencies and nonprofits are stepping up to fill the void as best they can. Keep this guide handy for reference, and share it with others facing SNAP delays. Community support and information can make a crucial difference during this Snap Funding Crisis.

1. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/28/25-states-sue-trump-snap-food-aid-shutdown-00625431

2. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/federal-food-aid-govenrment-shutdown/

3. https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/us-states-warn-food-aid-benefits-will-halt-if-federal-shutdown-drags-2025-10-23/

4. https://www.businessinsider.com/snap-benefits-smaller-delayed-in-november-texas-pennsylvania-2025-10

5. https://apnews.com/article/21c0b6b1628b252deec21ca589e8373b

6. https://www.nypost.com/2025/10/22/business/snap-recipients-warned-of-food-stamp-cuts-starting-next-week-amid-government-shutdown/

7. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/states-start-halting-snap-benefits-amid-shutdown/story?id=126716354

8. https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Food/prolonged-government-shutdown-impact-snap-benefits-food-insecure/story?id=126542677

9. https://www.nypost.com/2025/10/27/us-news/usda-announces-no-federal-snap-benefits-will-be-delivered-over-government-shutdown-blames-democrats/

10. https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/snap-shutdown-november-ebt-food-stamps-9d2a1b8b-fe45-4c7f-90cb-a9e5c9c9724f

11. https://frac.org/blog/how-will-government-shutdown-affect-snap-benefits

12. https://dhs.georgia.gov/update-november-snap-amid-federal-government-shutdown

13. https://www.larimer.gov/GovShutdownSNAPBenefits

14. https://farmpolicynews.illinois.edu/2025/10/no-snap-benefits-to-be-issued-nov-1-usda-says/

15. https://indicators.report/goodbye-to-snap-benefits-in-november-2025/